Cal's RB says he'll play against UCLA

LOS ANGELES Cal running back Jahvid Best said Wednesday he "definitely, for sure" is going to play Saturday against UCLA.

That definitely, for sure comes as bad news for Bruins defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker, who is operating under a heavy toll of injuries to his front seven.

Only Walker isn't so sure he buys it.

"I want to see it to believe it, to be honest with you, because it looked like he was dinged up pretty good," Walker said. "If he does play, hurt or healthy, he's an explosive player."

UCLA has three injured defensive ends and an injured linebacker.

Best, who missed the Arizona State game and the fourth quarter of the Arizona game because of an elbow injury, said he thinks Cal will move the ball this week against the Bruins.

"As far as UCLA goes, we feel we can definitely run the ball," Best said.

"We're going to go out and try to dominate the line of scrimmage like we do every time."

Best isn't just Cal's top playmaker. He has been the nation's leading playmaker. He is averaging more than 200 all-purpose yards per game and leads the nation in that category.

Best said he will wear a brace on the elbow, which could make an easy target for UCLA defenders looking to strip the ball. Walker conceded that could be an advantage for the UCLA defenders.

"If we can get our hands on him, sure," Walker said.

"But we're going to have to keep him caged up and not let him get out. Once he does, we don't have anybody who can catch him."

BACA OUT

Starting UCLA left tackle Jeff Baca will miss Saturday's game after straining his hamstring chasing down a defender after an interception Tuesday.

"Guys were laughing at me until they realized I was hurt," Baca said.

Baca (Mission Viejo High) might return in time for the Oregon State game, because UCLA is off next week. He will be replaced by Micah Kia, the man whose job he took at halftime of the Arizona game. Mike Harris will play right tackle.

This season has been an up-and-down emotional ride for Kia, a junior. He went from being a stalwart to riding the bench to playing right tackle to returning to his traditional spot.

"It's definitely not ideal, but it makes you stronger," Kia said. "It made our group stronger. There's a lot of competition and that's a good thing."

NOTES

Former UCLA player, coach and administrator Ed Kezirian drove down from Fresno to deliver the annual "Ducky" Drake speech Wednesday. He exhorted the Bruins to take the rivalry with Cal seriously and play with passion.

The speech used to be given by Drake, a track coach and football trainer, who died in 1988. …

Saturday will be the first career start for freshman defensive end Datone Jones, who replaces injured Reggie Stokes.

"I'm going to take every opportunity to make big plays," Jones said. "This may be a breakout game for me, you never know."

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